Colourful Stairs

Colour is everywhere, all around us, even in the simple and boring. Even in a staircase.
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Art Deco Daffodil

Today's photo is by a guest photographer - Phoebe's Mum P. This is the interior of The Daffodil restaurant. AJC and DJ Groin Strain were down from Manchester for the weekend and the four of us were very kindly treated to lunch at the posh restaurant by P & B (Phoebe and AJC's Mum and Dad.)

The restaurant used to be one of Cheltenham's six cinemas and The Daffodil Cinema opened on 5th October 1922. The cinema remained open until 1963 when it closed its doors for the last time. The art deco building was left to crumble until 1977 when it was converted into a bingo hall and then into an antiques emporium. In 1997 the building was lovingly restored to its art deco glory by new owner Mark Stephens, who opened his restaurant The Daffodil. More recently the buildings interior was redesigned by TV interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Although the design is relatively modern it still has a 1920's feel, with grand sweeping staircases, dramatic lighting and original features. The kitchen is open to the restaurant and sits in the place once occupied by the cinema screen. And, most importantly, the food and service are fantastic.

Thanks again P & B for lunch and the photo! It was good to see AJC and DJ Groin Strain too!

And finally - its my birthday today. Happy Birthday me!

Stairs Of Desperation

This photo is a filler. I am short of photos to post, so in desperation I decided on this one from my now empty archive. This staircase is in Cavendish House Department Store on the Promenade. I actually quite like this shot (I was reminded I had it by Ming, who posted a similar photo on Saturday.) Recently I've been finding it hard to find anything I'd like to photograph but I'm off work today and I'm going to town to snap anything that moves (or doesn't!) I just hope I feel inspired. Wish me luck.